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NEWS FROM JFAN: September 8 Fairfield Weekly Reader Column
Just
What Happened to Those Environmental Bills?
The
Iowa state legislature took a shot at dismantling the state’s
environmental
protections during this year’s legislative session. While four bills
didn’t
make it to the floor for a vote, two may still be on the table when the
state
legislature takes up business again next January.
Iowa CCI Issues Action Alert on Bill That Would Severely Restrict Manure Ban on Frozen and Snow-Covered Ground
On Tuesday, February 9, the Iowa House Agriculture Committee unanimously passed out of committee HF 2324, a bill that would severely weaken a ban on the application of factory farm manure on frozen and snow-covered ground, according to a press release
More Added to Iowa's Impaired Waterways List
The US Environmental Protection Agency approved Iowa's state list of impaired waters, which added 105 water bodies to the DNR's list of impaired waters in 2006 according to Radio Iowa.
Sustainable Agriculture Growing in Popularity in Iowa
Community supported agriculture farms (CSA's) are becoming very popular in Iowa reports Radio Iowa.
Complaint Against Mertz Dismissed
An ethics complaint filed against State Representative Dolores Mertz (D-Ottosen) by Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement (ICCI) was dismissed in early March reports Iowa CCI and Radio Iowa.
2007 Census Figures Show Increase in Small Farms
Small farming operations increased over the last five years in Iowa reports the Des Moines Register, although mega farms account for nearly half of Iowa's food production, according to 2007 Census figures.
DNR Offers Funds to Clean Up Iowa's Waters
A new DNR grant program will award a total of $200,000 to cities, counties or other organizations to clean up Iowa's lakes, rivers, or streams report Radio Iowa.
Iowa Gets a "Poor" Grade for Water Quality
Iowa received a C- for water quality in the DNR's 2009 Environmental Report Card.
DNR Lays Off Livestock Enforcement Field Officers
One third of the DNR's animal confinement enforcement field officers have been laid off because of state budget cuts to the agency according to a Radio Iowa article.
State House Passes Bill Limiting Winter Manure Applications
After much lobbying from environmental groups, the Iowa House passed new legislation limiting the spread of liquid manure during the winter months according to Blog for Iowa and Radio Iowa.